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Luxor

Go ahead, laugh at the kitschy Egyptian theme of this giant casino hotel. Yet it offers one of the best bargains on the Strip, even though it’s slightly farther away from the action. Cleo rooms are comfortable enough for the price – and you’ll ride in a sideways elevator to reach them!

Location

8/10

The Luxor is just south of the main area of the Strip. It’s a half-a-mile walk from the MGM Grand resort, which has a monorail station and northbound bus stops. Alternatively, ride the free tram north to Excalibur casino, across the street from the MGM Grand, or south to Mandalay Bay, Luxor’s neighbouring casino resort. Luxor and Mandalay Bay are also connected by a walk-through shopping mall.

Style & character

8/10

Named after an ancient Egyptian city, this black pyramid-shaped casino has been a Strip landmark since the early 1990s. Multiple redesigns have edited out the kitschiest Egyptian décor, but larger-than-life statues of pharaohs and a sphinx still greet arriving gamblers and hotel guests. At night, a 42.3-billion lumen beam of light shoots out of the pyramid into the sky, where it’s visible from passing planes.

Service & facilities

8/10

Luxor won’t win any awards for its service, with long check-in lines and often indifferent staff. The amenities are good, however, with an outdoor swimming pool complex, a small spa and a fitness centre. The comedy and magic shows are all right, while bigger attractions include the Titanic artefacts exhibition, the oddly fascinating Bodies exhibition and long-running LAX nightclub.

Bar

Fitness centre

Laundry

Parking

Pool

Restaurant

Room service

Sauna

Spa

Steam room/hammam

Wi-Fi

Rooms

8/10

The Luxor’s more than 4,000 low-tech rooms and suites are value-priced by Strip standards. Reached by a curious “inclinator” that travels at a 39-degree angle, pyramid rooms tend to be noisier, especially on lower floors close to the nightclub. Renovated “Cleo” rooms show off modern slate, purple and blue design schemes, with patterned carpeting, striped wallpaper and oversized showers.

Older pyramid rooms are more basic, with earth-toned walls and fabrics, and just a hint of art deco in black bedside lamps and mirror frames. Tower rooms look even more dated – think ruffled bedspreads and pillows – but are more spacious and have deep soaking tubs.

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Food & drink

6/10

No one stays at Luxor just for the food, although there are a handful of casual spots. T&T (Tacos & Tequila) puts out a spicy Mexican brunch on weekends (main dishes from $14 /£11), with chilaquiles, burritos and more. Public House, an American sports bar, has a long list of craft and international beers on tap and in bottles. Just-ok breakfasts (main dishes from $12/£10) like egg scrambles and pancakes are served at the Pyramid Café. For better dining and drinking options, walk over to the Shoppes at Mandalay Place mall or Mandalay Bay casino resort.

Value for money

Access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. ADA-compliant hotel rooms are available; specifically request these when booking. Most of the hotel’s public areas are wheelchair-accessible, including the casino, restaurants, bars and showrooms.

Family-friendly?

Yes, somewhat. Interconnecting rooms with two queen beds each are available; a cot or rollaway bed costs an extra $35 (£28) per night. Most casual restaurants have children’s menus.